Airbus A350F Freighter Completes Maiden Flight
The Airbus A350F freighter completed its first flight from Toulouse, marking the start of a nine-month certification campaign for the new cargo aircraft
The Airbus A350F freighter completed its maiden flight on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The aircraft, MSN 700, took off from Toulouse for a flight lasting four hours and ten minutes, reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet. A dedicated Airbus flight test crew conducted the mission, which focused on verifying basic airworthiness, fundamental flying qualities, and system performance. The aircraft was fitted with special flight test instrumentation for the occasion.
Programme significance and market position
The A350F is a freighter version of Airbus's A350, designed specifically for cargo operations and the long-haul freight market. Airbus states it is the world's most advanced cargo aircraft, developed to meet evolving global air freight demands and to compete with Boeing's 777 freighter series. The programme extends Airbus's presence in the dedicated air-freight market.
The aircraft is designed to be a game-changer in efficiency. It has a 46-tonne-lower maximum take-off weight than its competitor and is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 40%. It is the first new freighter designed to fully meet the latest ICAO carbon dioxide emissions standards. The A350F is made from more than 70 per cent advanced materials and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
Market interest appears strong. By the end of August 2026, the A350F had secured 115 orders from 14 disclosed customers. Airbus claims this represents a 59% share of the large freighter category. The aircraft's technical specifications underline its capability for international routes.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | Up to 111 tonnes |
| Range Capability | Up to 8,700 kilometres |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight | 46 tonnes less than competitor aircraft |
| Fuel & CO2 Reduction | Up to 40% vs. competitor |
| Advanced Materials | More than 70% |
Leadership and team involvement
Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner praised the team's effort. "This maiden flight is a major milestone for the A350F and for our customers worldwide," Wagner said. He described the aircraft as a true game-changer for the air cargo market, combining unmatched operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and range. Wagner expressed pride in the dedication of all teams involved.
Flight test crew and next steps
The maiden flight was conducted by a specific test crew. Bernardo Saez-Benito served as Captain and Test Pilot, with Sylvain Guiraud as First Officer and Experimental Test Pilot. Ludovic Girard was the Test Flight Engineer. Lead Flight Test Engineers Laurent Bussiere and Jaime Angoloti were also onboard.
This flight marks the start of an extensive certification testing phase. Further trials will take place over the next nine months as part of a flight-test campaign expected to last more than nine months. Meanwhile, a second A350F prototype, MSN 701, is at an advanced stage of final assembly and is scheduled to enter the paint shop in the coming weeks. Airbus plans to introduce the A350F into commercial service in 2027.
